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Inner ear infection, also known as labyrinthitis, causes balance problems, hearing loss and ringing in the ears. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, stress and other ear infections. Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms, and seeking medical care can reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Also known as labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection is a condition in which the sufferer has difficulty maintaining proper balance. It is one of several forms of otitis media and is sometimes called otitis interna, indicating that the condition has to do with an infection or inflammation of the inner ear. Along with balance problems, this type of infection can be accompanied by some degree of hearing loss and possibly ringing in the ears.
There are several factors that can cause an inner ear infection. The most common has to do with contracting a virus, although the ailment can also be caused by a bacterial infection. While the body’s natural defenses can often overcome the ear problem in time, treatment by a doctor usually speeds recovery and minimizes the chances of long-term damage.
Along with bacterial infections or viruses, allergies can also trigger inflammation in the inner ear. Pet dander, food allergies, and even an allergic reaction to prescribed medications can set the stage for infection. Treating the allergy with diet and medications can often help relieve ear pain and other problems that are part of the condition and speed up the healing process.
An inner ear infection can also develop from other ear infections, such as swimmer’s ear. Although this condition is normally confined to the outer ear and ear canal, constant probing in the ear can force bacteria and other matter into the middle ear, behind the eardrum, and into the inner ear. When this happens, the inflammation builds up and can create a strong sense of congestion that is much more pronounced than with outer or middle ear problems. At this juncture, antibiotics are the most likely way to calm the inflammation and allow for healing.
Stress has the ability to negatively affect many body functions. Prolonged and severe stress can also lead to the development of anxiety and eventually an inner ear infection. An anxiety disorder that includes the development of labyrinthitis usually includes periods of sudden dizziness and disorientation that quickly pass to trigger a full-blown panic attack. Medical professionals routinely consider the possibility of an infection when patients begin experiencing such ailments and often look for other physical imbalances that may result from stress and anxiety.
The exact form of treatment for an inner ear infection will depend on the origin of the infection itself and the various symptoms and side effects that appear. In some cases, dietary changes are implemented or medications are changed as a means of relieving the constant earaches. If anxiety and panic are a cause, using some type of anti-anxiety medication to relieve symptoms can also help speed up the healing process.
While it’s possible for the body to overcome an infection in the inner ear, damage can be done that allows various symptoms to persist for weeks or even years. Seeking medical care will not only shorten the duration of the actual infection, but it will also reduce your chance of living with ringing or other ear problems for an extended period of time.
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